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This holiday season, a multitude of Christmas romantic comedies is filling screens, but few carry the cultural significance of Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. The narrative centers around Alana, a devoted supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs, who finds herself romantically involved with a man assessing her family in the team’s Fan of the Year competition.
While the premise may raise ethical eyebrows, it is undeniably charming and timely. The film, which debuted on November 30, sidesteps the classic trope of celebrity romance, yet cleverly mirrors the lightheartedness surrounding the recent relationship between pop icon Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce. This twist has engaged even those who were not previously keen on football.
Screenwriter Julie Sherman Wolfe shared her thoughts with Today, stating, “I honestly feel like everything about this movie was meant to happen when it happened. It was meant to be.” She acknowledges the “magic” brought by Swift and Kelce’s romance, suggesting it inspired a romantic atmosphere that made Holiday Touchdown possible.
Despite Swift’s absence from the film, her influence is palpable, characterized by nods and references certain audiences might enjoy discovering. With each viewing of Holiday Touchdown, viewers can keep an eye out for various Easter eggs. Here are 13 notable moments and connections.
Casting Connection
A noteworthy connection lies within the casting of Alana, portrayed by Hunter King, sister of Joey King, who featured in Taylor Swift’s “I Can See You” music video. This video debuted during Swift’s Kansas City stop on her Eras Tour back on July 7, 2023, making the subsequent filming of Holiday Touchdown just about a year later. Hunter remarked, “It really is a full-circle moment for me.”
Adding a layer to this narrative, Travis Kelce attended that same concert, setting off a series of events that ultimately led to his publicized relationship with Swift.
That 1989 Polaroid
In the film’s opening, Alana recounts how the Chiefs have historically united her family, illustrated by a nostalgic Polaroid labeled “XMAS 1989,” which closely resembles a famous album cover.
A Swiftie Surname?
In a nod to the overarching themes, Alana’s romantic interest, who serves as the Chiefs’ director of fan engagement, is named Derrick Taylor (Tyler Hynes). Although not an exceptionally rare surname, it certainly bears significance within the movie’s context.
Donna Kelce
In a fun tribute, Donna Kelce plays a character who manages a local barbecue restaurant known as Norma and Nic’s, a possible salute to Norma Hunt, the late wife of the Chiefs’ founder, Lamar Hunt.
A Sweet Message For Mom
During a heartfelt moment, Donna wears a jersey featuring a message from Travis that reads “love you mommy!” This detail is one that Hunter King, who portrays Alana, mentioned was carefully considered for her character.
Swiftie Numerology
One of the film’s fun highlights occurs when Donna’s restaurant table cards list numbers including 13, 66, 44, and 89, which hold special relevance to Swift. The number 13 is well-known among her fans as her birth date, while 89 aligns with the year of the album title.
Oui Oui
Derrick humorously laments having waited too long to sample Kansas City barbecue, with Donna suggesting that doing so is akin to “living in Paris and never having a baguette.” The mention of Paris resonates with Swift’s song “Paris,” particularly as Donna herself attended Swift’s 87th Eras Tour stop in the same city.
Fellow Fans
A delightful detail appears when one of the competitors in the Fan of the Year contest is a cat named Catrick Mahomes, after the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes—also a friend of Swift’s, further intertwining her into the narrative.
Some Motherly Advice
A humorous moment arises when Donna observes the matriarchs of Alana’s family meddling with her love life, offering sage advice to “let it happen!” This playful remark mirrors her own laid-back approach to her sons’ high-profile romances.
Hall(too well)mark
In a picturesque instance halfway through the film, as snow gently falls, Alana gifts Derrick a red scarf, prompting the family to toast to the season’s first snow. This moment evokes nostalgic lyrics from Swift’s “All Too Well,” where she recalls the beauty of falling snow.
So Make The Friendship Bracelets…
Swiftie-inspired friendship bracelets can be spotted scattered throughout the film, enhancing the thematic ties to her fandom.
A Swift Ride
Alana’s golf cart ride to the Fan of the Year celebration is a charming echo of Swift’s own method of transportation on game days.
All The ‘Fits
With her flowing blonde hair and a variety of Chiefs-themed outfits, Alana’s styling in Holiday Touchdown aesthetically pays homage to Swift’s own signature game-day fashion.
Source
www.bustle.com